Zambia Hunt

Brothers we are not Papas!

I watched with alarm a recent live-streamed event here in our country hosted by one of our Baptist denominations. The pastor was being brought into the event, walking down the red carpet, being led and ululated by 8 women in uniform dancing in formation. At the front were two oversized plush chairs where I assume the brother was being led. The pastor smiled and waved to the cheering crowd as he slowly made his way forward. His demeanor was that of British royalty, waving and smiling at adoring fans.

I felt sickened watching this spectacle. We now have Baptist Papas? I saw little difference between this entrance and that of the false teachers in the Charismatic movement in Africa.

Brothers, we are not Papas! We are shepherds, we serve sheep! We are “the least of these” a humble servant of Christ the Chief Shepherd. Dear God forgive us for adopting methodologies that bring glory to man instead of the Man of Sorrows.

One sure sign of poor theology is worldly methodology. We are to humble ourselves, take the lowest seat at the banquet, and do our good deeds out other sight of fellow man.

One problem is that we, as pastors, may begin to actually believe our own PR, or what the adoring fans say about us. The light and glory of Christ in our churches fade behind the bright glory of a man.

We dare not adopt the value system of the world, whereby we elevate a spiritual leader to worship status! When men exalt themselves, the gospel begins to dim, and if we are not careful, it will be extinguished altogether.

We are exhorted to adopt the mind of Christ who though he was God “made himself of no reputation” (Phil. 2:5-8) choosing to come to us as a servant! The original sin of Lucifer was that he desired the glory! (Is. 14:12-14). The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness was “bow down and worship me” (Lk. 4:1-11) with the promise of being given “all the world” in exchange. I fear that for some it is too late! We have exchanged humility for pride, servanthood for lordship and the towel for a crown. 

Brothers, we must acknowledge the politics that exist within some of our Baptist churches in Zambia. There are denominational cultures that, to the uninitiated, look more like a political party than the church of Jesus Christ. In the name of “respect,” we elevate the leaders beyond the Scripture and beyond Christ. Baptists don’t have popes, and we don’t have papas!

We are to respect and obey those Christ places over us as shepherds of the church, but not to the point we risk taking the place of Jesus.

Brother pastor, you should walk so humbly and closely with your God that you share in the reproach if Jesus Christ (Heb. 13:13). We will one day rule and reign with him on earth, but not yet! 

Brother Pastor, Beware of feeding your flesh. The flesh enjoys the praise, acholades, and adoration of others. The flesh enjoys the benefits of power and prestige. Beware! This is a certain path to destruction and the loss of spiritual power. We are not celebrities brother, we are not special, we deserve nothing save eternal punishment. Many a pastor has been puffed up with pride, and that pride often leads to a sexual downfall.

I fear that carnally minded congregants are being led by carnally minded men, preaching a carnal form of Christianity. Too often our gospel appeals are man centered, our worship services are man centered and our sermons are man centered. We tolerate known sin in our congregations, put men into positions of leadership who are spiritually unfit and then wonder why our people are so unlike our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is no wonder then, that in Zambia we have many thousands of evangelical churches, yet we have little salt to season the culture around us. Our country is corrupt – how can this be in a country that claims to be 85% Christian? Lying, theft, and fraud are the accepted order of the day. Drunkenness, sexual immorality and cheating are as rampant within the church as it is outside of it!

The gospel in Africa will be lost, not by Islamic inroads, a return to forms of African Traditional Religion, or even persecution. It will be lost when men who claim to be men of the Book start acting and preaching like papas! 

God have mercy on us! God rescue your churches. God, Fill our pulpits with humble Servant Leaders who wash feet, refuse to be lifted up but rather insist on the exaltation of Jesus Christ.

Baptist pastor friend, please heed the call! Come out from among them and be separate says the Lord! 

Brothers we are not papas! We are nobodies who serve the one great Somebody. Let’s be about our Father’s business.